All of my clients know that peel season is my favorite season. I love the results and I love being able to make my clients happy with their skin again. I would do these year round if I could but the weather and the sun limits me. But now that we are here, let’s me tell why I love them so much.

Chemical peels can make your skin and your skin care products work better– The acid (there are many different ones) lifts dead skin and triggers a chain reaction. Once that top layer is gone, signals are then sent to the living cells below to multiply and move up, increase collagen production and act younger. Skin care products can now work even better because there are no dead skin cells to stop them.

Fully Customized Peels– Slow and steady wins the race. My series is done over 9 weeks. That is 7 peels. I will go as strong as your skin allows and tolerates. I want you to get the best results so whatever I can do that makes sense, I will do. Since it’s done over a period of time, I don’t need to hit your skin super hard. We can increase as we go along. Flaking is normal but you can still live your life and be out in the world.

Acne and Acne Scars– Getting a peel every week doesn’t allow bacteria to hang around. Yes, you can still get breakouts (skin is purging) but they usually get better as the peels go on. Acne scars will also improve. The healthier your skin, the better it looks.

Melasma is better treated with peels than lasers- This is a no-fun issue that many women have to deal with at some point. Hormones are to blame. The sun and heat make it worse. Chemical peels can lighten the dark skin in a very different way than lasers which is why often women will find the melasma returns after a few weeks. When done correctly and in conjunction with at-home care, the peels will usually lift the melasma.

I strongly encourage my clients to purchase products at home- I don’t really even want to do a series without the products because clients just won’t get the results they want. Will you see a change? Yes. Will it last and make a big difference? Probably not. When I do the peel, it sets your skin up to be ready to get the good ingredients on it. The ingredients that will lighten your skin, continue to kill bacteria, help smooth your skin and make it softer. If you’re going to spend the money, you might as well do it right. This also sets up my clients to see what the products can really do and gets them on a great routine, that becomes a habit.

Purchase your series by February 16th and you will receive a FREE DermaRed LED or FREE Ultrasonic Spatula (while supplies last).

DermaRed LED

What is it?

4-in-1 youth-activating system provides four technologically superior treatments into one tool to minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone and elasticity, deep cleanse pores, and infuse waterbased treatments for firmer, smoother, more lifted and radiant-looking skin. LED red light, ultrasonic waves, and positive and negative ions visibly help reverse signs of prematurely aging skin after every treatment.

What does it do?

LED red light airbrushes away the appearance of lines and wrinkles and improves the look of age spots and photo damage

Ultrasonic Spatula

Micro-massage action provides 28,000 ultrasonic vibrations per second to gently cleanse, tone, and stimulate the skin while accelerating the absorption of serums and gels, and other water-based products. In fact, any skincare product that is not oil-based will provide better results with the Skin Perfecter.

Plus, the Skin Perfecter is easy to use and never requires brushes, cartridges, or discs.

This client first came to me when she was pregnant. After she was done breast-feeding, we started a chemical peel series. 5 years later, her skin is healthy. Her biggest concern was that the acne would leave her scarred.

Living in Orange County (Ca), we deal with warm weather most of the year. The reason we can start peels in November despite the 80 degree days is because we are not outside as much and the heat is not as long or strong each day. Going to the beach, having BBQ’s and outside parties are limited. You still need to wear sunscreen everyday but it’s easier to control how much sun you get.

I will take good care of you and your skin. I can’t wait to see your after picture!

Every product you apply to your skin is important but I think serums do most of the work. Serums are more advanced formulations with smaller molecules that are able to penetrate the skin deeper. Serums treat the skin in a more specific way to address your skin needs.

There are many out there and they all do different things. I do believe that some are better than others. If you’re looking for effectiveness, professional is always the way to go. I say this with every product but since you want serums to make a change for your skin, this is the most important investment. In my opinion. I did some research and I was shocked to see how expensive some serums are at Nordstrom. If you’re going to pay that much, it might as well be products that will actually have enough active ingredients to make a difference.

Some people aren’t sure when to start using a serum. I think everyone at age 18 should be using vitamin c. After that, it depends on your skin and its needs. At age 30 you start losing about 1% of collagen a year so then I start my clients on an additional serum. Sometimes people need something extra earlier. Everyone is different. I don’t agree that a 25 year old should be using what a 40 year old person is using. It’s almost wasteful. There is such a thing as preventing but I think we are starting to get carried away. Botox and fillers are being injected in people at a much younger age than necessary. Please listen to my podcast (Pure Skin Talk) about how I feel about those. I’ve had too many young clients come to me using some random product that someone at Nordstrom told her she should use. Most of the time, it wasn’t needed.

I’ve had people ask me about whether they should change up their routine every once in awhile. Yes, you can but you don’t have to. Just as your body never gets used to healthy food, your skin doesn’t get used to healthy products.

Not all serums are for all skin types. Most of the ones I retail are but if you don’t consult with me, make sure it’s compatible.

I basically carry two professional lines, Skin Script and Le Mieux. While I love both, I favor some products in each. I am obsessed with Le Mieux serums. They are incredibly inexpensive for their benefits (but don’t tell them because I don’t want them to raise the prices!).

Ageless Skin Hyaluronic Serum- This is actually a good serum and for it’s price at only $30, it’s definitely worth it. It will hydrate your skin. I sell this one for those that want something beneficial but not a lot of money. It’s like the intro Hyaluronic serum.

SS Beta-Carotene/Papain Renewal Serum- With aloe and olive. A mild exfoliation serum for sensitive skin. Beta carotene is a precursor to Vitamin A; papain is an enzyme derived from papayas. I like this one because it can be used on pregnant or lactating women. They are so limited during this time and this is a good serum to exfoliate and brighten the skin.

Benefits:

Improves Skin Barrier Integrity by Balancing Surface Lipids

Exfoliates to Reduce Visible Wrinkles

Anti-Inflammatory

So before I get started on all the Le Mieux serums, I want to talk about Hyaluronic Acid. This is a hugely popular ingredient right now and it should be. It’s one of the best you can use on your skin and since we make it naturally (although it slows down in our late teens), everyone can use it.

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which means that it draws moisture from its surroundings. It can hold 10x times its weight in water. This ingredient can replenish a lot of moisture. As we get older our skin loses the ability to retain water and that’s where hyaluronic acid helps. Hydration makes our skin plump and that makes us look younger.

All of LM serums that I retail, except for one, uses hyaluronic acid as its base. So whatever issue you’re treating, hydration will always be addressed.

LM Hyaluronic Acid Serum- I just explained what this will do for you. It’s great for those with dry and dehydrated skin. I often recommend this as an extra serum when clients are feeling particularly dry.

LM Vita-C Serum- My #1 seller! Like I said before, everyone 18 and over should use it so this is the first serum I start my clients on. If you want to see a difference, start wearing it. Fight prematurely aging skin with this concentrated serum from the most stable, pure quality and maximum strength Vitamin C (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate). Stimulates collagen production to illuminate a dull complexion, brightens the skin and delays the loss of healthy skin tone. All skin types can wear this one especially those with acne. Helps in healing scars.

LM TGF-Β Booster- My 2nd best seller! This is always the second serum I recommend to clients and usually starting at about 30. Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a luminous, healthy, youthful glow. The anti-aging serum.

LM Rx Complex Serum- I love this serum for men! It’s kind of all in one. Great for hydrating, also has vitamin c and it helps with fine lines and wrinkles. Men generally aren’t interested in applying a bunch of different serums. Although I prefer to separate and use multiple serums because it’s more effective, this one gets the job done. My male clients love it!

LM Derma Relief- Oh my gosh. I discovered this serum a few years after I got started with LM products. I don’t know why it took me so lone because it’s actually perfect for my skin. This makes my skin feel silky. This lipid replacement serum provides instant relief for very dry, stressed skin. Features powerful ceramides, a superior form of Vitamin E, and 13 exotic oils including argan oil and kukui nut oil to soothe skin, minimize inflammation, and restore suppleness and resiliency. Helps repair skin damage caused by environmental aggressors. I use this year round but some clients only use in the winter.

LM Collagen Peptide Serum- This serum is more pricey than the others which is why I don’t think I talk about it much. I’m always concerned about price for my clients. But here’s the thing, I love it. I use this serum every night. It’s a little creamier than the others and it feels great on my skin. This concentrated, creamy serum features 4 peptides and marine algae extracts to dramatically lift and tighten sagging facial contours while smoothing out expression lines and wrinkles. Nourishing ceramides help hydrate, extend moisture, and restore skin resiliency.

LM Retinol Serum- This is also a pricier serum but you only use it once or twice a week so it lasts as long as the others. What can I say about retinol that you don’t already know? It’s a great anti-aging ingredient. This 0.5% retinol concentrated serum resurfaces skin to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, brighten dull skin, fade sun-induced age spots, and improve rough texture. The peptide-infused formula and revolutionary Tri-Cosmetic Delivery System help boost collagen and elastin production for a fresh, glowing, and age-defying complexion.

This serum is a little more expensive but you only use it about twice a week so lasts longer!

So here are the serums I use daily…Vita-C and Derma Relief in the morning. TGF Booster and Collagen Peptide at night. I can only use the Retinol serum once a week so on that night, I skip my other two night serums.

Listen, I’m trying to do everything I can to hold off botox, fillers, lifts and plastic surgery. I’m not even sure I would get them anyway but I need my skin to look good. It’s my business but it’s also my face! I want it to look good!

Pure Skin Talk covers acne to anti-aging and everything in between. These are short and easy to listen to episodes. They are not product specific so everyone can benefit! Sometimes specials are even offered to the online store and if you are local to Orange County for facials!!

Acne is frustrating but I am trying to break it down for you to make it more clear…no pun intended. So let’s talk about blemishes…

I don’t know about you but when I learn new things or even want to start something new, I need to understand why it needs to happen. The more information I have, the easier it is to do it. So this is what your blemish needs to do to heal itself and how to get rid of them correctly.

Blemishes have an infection within the pore and that is why they can be painful and red. What should naturally happen is that the infection comes up through the skins surface (the white stuff). Cysts are different.

You aren’t going to like what I’m about to say but there is a way around it. If you are using something that dries out the surface of the skin, like most over the counter spot treatments do, your blemish will stick around longer. The dead skin stops the infection from being able to come to the surface, which as I explained above, needs to happen. I do have a product that kills the infection without drying the skin.

Here are the steps…

Apply a non-drying spot treatment

When a whitehead comes to the surface, you may then GENTLY squeeze it out. I think it’s best to do this after a shower when your skin is soft and hydrated. Once removed, apply the spot treatment to kill any infection left.

A lot of people dealing with acne or even just breakouts, wonder why they are left with red or dark marks long after the blemish is gone. It’s caused by the inflammation within the dermis that triggers the skin to product the pigment cells. And sometimes you are left with distended capillaries or broken capillaries as they are often called, and that causes more redness. If these areas are not properly treated then you will end up with a scar. The darkness of the mark varies based on different things.

The darker the skin, the darker the mark.

If the infection came up and broke through the surface, it will be darker. A cyst usually doesn’t cause as much damage because the body reabsorbed the infection and didn’t break the surface.

The time the blemish lasted plus how long YOUR skin takes to heal. Everyone is different.

And the most important last two and more easily avoided…how much you picked at it or used the wrong products. When you pick, it pushes the infection deeper into the skin and can also spread it. Using the wrong products can hurt the health of the skin.

Here is what you can do to treat the skin and avoid a scar.

Exfoliate the skin. Using a gentle acid exfoliant along with a gentle scrub will help lift off dead skin cells and the scarred cells. Don’t use them on the same days.

Vitamin C is also highly recommended to brighten the skin, calm the redness and help fade acne scars.

Wear SPF. It’s super important to protect the skin in general but when trying to heal the skin and avoid scarring, it becomes even more important. If you are acne-prone, make sure you aren’t using a sunscreen that will clog pores.

Using the right products is vital to getting rid of and healing acne and acne scars. What you were using when you were a teenager is not good for you as an adult. Many things change and we have to change accordingly. The breakouts that you had as a teen could be different than what you have as an adult. Plus, as we get older anti-aging products become important. And just because a product says “for acne,” doesn’t mean it’s good for your skin.

People with oily skin and/or acne tend to want to wear less product and skipping sunscreen seems like an easy thing to avoid. You shouldn’t. The sun is the #1 reason we scar so you have to protect your skin everyday of the year.

Over-exfoliating is another thing that some people do. Once we see results, we want to keep doing the thing that gave us those results. Less is more. You should never be exfoliating twice a day. It’s too much and is causing inflammation. And don’t forget that exfoliation can be physical like a scrub and also chemical like glycolic or salicylic acids.

Like I said above, those with oily/acne skin want to wear less product. Skipping moisturizer saves your skin, right? Nope. Letting your skin “breathe” is not a real thing. Here is why you want to wear a moisturizer.

Skin needs hydration. Applying a toner and serums on damp skin allows the moisturizer to lock all of that in. Without hydration, the skin will produce more oil.

And I am introducing something new. I get a lot of emails and social messages asking about different products. As much as I love my products and think they are great for the skin, not everyone uses them. Helping people love their skin is my goal, in whatever way it gets them there as long as it’s safe. So I am now offering Product Consultations. You send me a list of your products and I will give you my honest, educated opinion. I will go over each product. This will be done over email so that you have everything written down for you. After, if you have more questions, we can do a 15 minute consultation over the phone, email or messaging. I recommend email or messaging so again, you have it all written out and you don’t have to memorize what I’m saying. You will not be pressured to buy anything.

One of the most powerful functions of Vitamin C is it’s role in the production of collagen. As you age, collagen breaks down and wrinkles begin to form. Stabilizing your skin’s levels of Vitamin C can help to counteract wrinkle formation by increasing collagen production.

Age spots are essentially sun damage, and Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, shown to reduce the number of sunburned cells as well as reverse age-related damage to the skin. It does not replace sunscreen, but Vitamin C protects against and may repair UV damage, like discoloration and fine lines.

There are different forms of vitamin c but one of the most stable is MAP (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate). Stability is important because when it’s not, it can irritate the skin. That is why not all vitamin c’s are created equal. The one I recommend has MAP in it so therefore most people can use it without an issue.

Deep conditioning cream mask binds moisture to prevent water loss, dryness, and roughness while improving elasticity. Nourishing and rejuvenating blend of soothing oils, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter provides intensive, long-lasting hydration for dry, damaged, or mature skin. Your skin will feel so good after you use it. And you can even apply it to your hands for a deep conditioning hand mask. If the weather is making you feel dry, this mask will revitalize your skin again and give you back your glow.

You all have to be sick of me talking about this oil but I love it and think that it does such great things for the skin. Dry, oily, mature skin, acne skin, teens, babies…whatever your age, whatever your issue, this oil will work.

For those with dry skin, it will deeply hydrate and give you that youthful tone. If you have oily skin, it helps to balance out the oil and in turn, helps with acne.

I love these sponges! I’ve often said how sensitive my skin is so that means I have to be super careful with how I care for it and especially how I exfoliate it. Scrubs don’t work with my skin. They irritate it. Washcloths, even baby washcloths don’t work either. I can use these sponges every other night and my skin has seriously never been softer. These are perfect for winter time when your barrier (top layer that protects you) becomes compromised…meaning dry and sensitive. It’s still important to exfoliate but you have got to be gentle.

Charcoal is great for acne and breakouts. Also available in white for all skin types.

This is a good mask for all skin types. It’s tough when you are breaking out or even dealing with acne because sometimes (most of the time unless I’m treating you) the skin is also dry. You want a mask that will help hydrate but most that do that can also clog pores on acneic skin. Enter, the Moisture Infusion Mask. Packed with lots of serums that won’t cause breakouts but will hydrate and make the skin feel better. It comes in a pack of 4, but each mask can usually be used 2-3 times. And if you keep it in the fridge, then you will also get a firming effect. Great for holiday parties and date night!

As the seasons change so do the needs of our skin. Our skin can get drier, more oily, we can have more breakouts or maybe just more sensitivity. Don’t panic! It’s most likely not your products that have suddenly stopped working for you, it’s the weather that has changed your skin. All it means is that you need to change how you use your products. So much easier, right? And a money saver! Here are some ingredients with their side effects that may affect your skin differently in the winter. Change accordingly if you needed.

Retinol– A derivative of Vitamin A, this can be drying to the skin. You may not notice it as much during the summer but in the winter when our skin gets drier, this can wreak havoc on our moisture level. You don’t have to stop using this, just use less. The Retinol Serum below is the one I recommend to my clients. Most only use about twice a week anyway because I want them to avoid drying out their skin and dealing with all the other side effects. This seems to work best while still giving them great results.

Salicylic Acid– Great for acne and breakouts but extremely drying for the skin. When I recommend any product using this ingredient, I do not suggest using it everyday because I do not want to dry out the skin as the acne goes away. If you find your skin seems flaky or dry, cut it back a bit, maybe just once and go from there. You still want to use the product and get the effectiveness but with using it less. Sometimes even one less use can make a difference.

Vaseline– This seems like an odd choice to be on this list, right? Well, in the winter this seems to be the go-to product. A lot of people use it on their chapped lips, hands, feet, etc. Here’s the thing…it’s occlusive. That means it can’t penetrate the skin and will only sit on the surface. It will not moisturize the skin but it will protect it. Great to put over lotion on the hands and feet for extra hydration (it will lock in that moisture) and also for the nose area when you have a cold. It has no healing benefits though. It can clog pores on the face since it can’t penetrate so use with caution.

Benzoyl Peroxide– Same as salicylic acid but even more drying. Below is the only product I recommend with benzoyl peroxide and I always say, proceed with caution. Benzoyl Peroxide is an ingredient you only want to use temporarily (there are many side effects that aren’t good long-term). The severe drying side effect can actually age your skin. Whatever the season, use with caution. In the winter, think twice.

Hand Sanitizer– Although this is not for the face, I thought I would throw it in here anyway. 🙂 The alcohol and lack of water can really dry out your hands. Try washing your hands like we used to…with soap and water and then moisturize.

These are guidelines and suggestions. What works for one person may not work for another. Some may not be able to change their routine so that means you will need to add to your regimen so you can get more moisture. You need to compensate for the water being pulled out of your skin because if you don’t, your skin will start to produce more oil. This grapeseed oil is great for hydrating the ski without clogging the pores. Click on picture to learn more about it.

Cetaphil is definitely one of the most common cleansers that I find my new clients using. It is a deceitful product and most think that it is a “pretty good” cleanser and gentle for the skin. At one point, years ago, I used this cleanser too. Now that I know better, I would never recommend it to anyone and I always get annoyed when I hear that a Dermatologist has told my client it is good for the skin. Below is an excerpt from a blog post that I found about Cetaphil. She explains it better than I can.

Why Not Use Cetaphil?

I cannot even begin to tell you how many people I have spoken to who have been recommended to use this cleanser, for their so named ‘sensitive’ skin concerns. I would love to share my professional knowledge regarding the Cetaphil cleanser formulation, with specific regard as to what it is actually doing for your skin – and the topic regarding ‘sensitive’ skin is one best left for another day!

There are a multitude of reasons why skin breaks down, creating inflammation – otherwise known a ‘sensitivity’. For a cleanser that is advertised worldwide by Galderma as “developed by dermatologists especially for sensitive skin, [this] soap substitute preserves your skin’s natural protective oils”. I’m quite adamant that they have missed their mark… totally!

Cetaphil is loaded with the emulsifier sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), one of the most overused synthetic skin cosmetic ingredients that actually strips your skins natural lipid barrier as it ‘cleanses’ your skin. This surfactant is very unpopular with every serious skin therapist as its effect renders your skin more susceptible to external irritants, increases internal inflammation as your skin immune cells become overagitated, heightening redness & possible breakout as it negatively impacts your natural pH. Otherwise known as your ‘acid mantle’, our natural pH balance is our first line of defense that protects our skin in numerous ways, including against invading microbes. I do think it is pretty odd that Galderma call their cleanser ‘pH balanced’ – as, yes, the actual entire formulation inside the bottle may be – but as soon as there is contact with skin it completely interferes with our pH. In reality there no balance there at all!

Some skins will hide the presentation of inflammatory symptoms better than others, although it is important to note that it IS happening, whether you can immediately see and feel it, or not. This is what alarms me about so many products like this, and why I feel compelled to share!

SLS is used because it is cheap and easy to synthetically manufacture. You can find SLS in body washes, shampoos, toothpastes, cleansers and in cleaning products. These are all high contact products, which is a scary thought. I have certainly easily and affordably chosen to limit or eliminate my daily exposure to this ingredient!

I have not oversold these with that title! I love these sponges! I’ve often said how sensitive my skin is so that means I have to be super careful with how I care for it and especially how I exfoliate it. Scrubs don’t work with my skin. They irritate it. Washcloths, even baby washcloths don’t work either. I can use these sponges every other night and my skin has seriously never been softer.

They have different ones for the face and the body and for different skin types. Easy to take care of and easy to use. I am even finding myself recommending these to some of my clients instead of a scrub. If I can save you money but still give you amazing skin, I will!

Give Yourself a Mini Facial

Simple, effective, deep cleansing & pure. All of our Facial and Body Sponges are Eco friendly, 100% natural and made from pure edible vegetable roots.The Konjac Sponge is as soft as butter, full of yummy skin friendly goodness! It cleanses the skin like nothing you ever experienced before, leaving the face clean, glowing and silky smooth.

Does it seem like you always get a blemish in the same spot? There is a reason for this…

The pore may be damaged so it keeps getting re-infected. This is especially common for those who pick. (hint, hint) Picking blemishes loosens the lining of the cell and that causes the clogged oil to go deeper into the skin and that creates an inflammatory reaction.

If you use a drying spot treatment (toothpaste and most over-the-counter spot treatments) this will only dry out the surface infection of the skin. The bacteria is still lurking underneath and will eventually come to the surface again.